There are conditions and injuries that cause mild to severe pain in the feet. Left untreated or undertreated the problems caused can become worse, and the quality of life is diminished. Some treatments require rest or exercise. Medications, therapist intervention, or surgery may be necessary for more severe problems.
Bunions and Gout
The big toe has numerous foot problems that are associated with it. Athletes, runners in particular, often have problematic issues. Bunions and gout are most common.
The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons tells the following information about bunions. They appear as a bump next to the big toe. It is a progressive disorder that reflects deformities and change in the joints and bones of the forefoot. Soft tissue becomes tender, swells, and becomes the size of the bump. The big toe is deviated from the normal anatomical position. Flat, wide shoes with flexible soles and toe spacers can alleviate bunion discomfort and pain.
Gout is a condition caused by elevated uric acid levels in the blood. The National Center for Emergency Medicine Informatics gives the following information about gout. Uric acid crystals deposit in tendons, joints, and surrounding tissues. Any joint can be affected. The most common spot for the condition to develop is the big toe. Males over 50 are especially susceptible to the manifestation. Repeated bouts can damage the MTP joint of the big toe.
Plantar Fasciitis
Many people suffer from plantar fasciitis and believe it will get better on its own. Plantar fasciitis is a strain injury. Like most strain injuries, the longer the injury is untreated, the worse the condition becomes. Plantar fascia is a band of thin fibrous tissue that connects at the heel bone, runs along the base of the foot, and connects again to the base of the toes. Plantar fasciitis can be frustrating because the bottom of the foot is rarely tender to the touch. The pain begins when weight is placed on the foot.
Plantar fasciitis does not develop overnight. Repetitive strain occurs over an extended period. The initial pain is a mild ache. Left untreated, the condition will worsen significantly. The cause of the injury continues to be repeated. Getting complete relief from the problem may take some time. The injury is stubborn in nature. Orthotic inserts and shoes, anti-inflammatory medications, and painful cortisone shots do little more than mask the pain. There are exercises, done while sitting in a chair; that seems to offer the best solution.
Sprains and Breaks
Feet are placed under to a great deal of force in a day’s time. The 26 bones of the feet are placed under stress. Accidents, direct blows, and overuse can cause bones in the foot to break, become red and swell, or produce a dislocation or a sharp localized pain.
Broken bones should be treated so the break properly heals. Untreated, a broken bone in the foot can lead to arthritis, chronic pain or deformity. Depending on how severe the injury, weeks or months of rest may be required for a broken foot to heal.
According to Advanced Foot and Ankle Institute of Georgia, rest is an important healing agent for all foot injuries. They say, “Crutches are required at times to keep weight off of injured feet. Boots or walking casts may need to be worn. Badly fractured toes may have to be taped to an adjacent toe, so the proper alignment takes place as the bones heal.” Flat heeled and wider shoes will help relieve pressure from the injury. Nerve damaged feet should not be taped.
Dislocated bones are repaired with manipulation that puts bones back into the proper place. On infrequent occasions, displaced bones may require surgery. Plates and screws may be used to put the bone back in its proper place. Intervention from physical therapists or coaches may be needed.
The two main reasons that foot pain should not go untreated are prevention of further damage and to relieve pain and discomfort. Untreated pain can rob people of the ability to function normally. Disruption in mobility and sleeping can cause depression and irritability.
